Last night, the director general of RTV, Ardian Klosi, a man without ideals or a sense of national identity, appeared on the stage of the song festival before the live TV broadcast began and addressed the audience about the conflict he himself has created with the print media. The hall responded with mockery to this Don Quixote of our times, so much so that he, like a man in the form of a promiscuous woman, descended the stage steps in shame—if someone like him, without dignity and accused of being homosexual, can feel shame. After this, a publisher of a daily newspaper came on stage after Klosi and explained the director general’s accusation to those present. Klosi’s adventur[e?] in appearing on stage, despite being neither a host nor a director, reveals his deficiency—a rare occurrence in the history of our festivals. Now everything is clear about how the director in question came to head this institution. While he was in Germany, he also published an album entitled “Albania, I have shat on you,” accompanied by the filthiest photographs of our beautiful but poor Homeland. (Continued on page 3)

BY FRROK ÇUPI How many people are waiting to see what is happening?! They shut themselves in their homes, without lights, covered with a blanket[?], and feel fine as long as “it still isn’t happening.” What are they waiting for under a blanket[?], behind an old or new shiver[?], mostly in the dark?! Could it be fear that a guided rocket might veer toward Albania?! Nobody gives a damn about the greatest war in the World... Could they be waiting to see how things will go in Kosovo?!... “By God, brothers, we have our troubles, but let them stay where they are, because we have our troubles...” So what is the “comet” expected to swoop down on our people “under the blanket”? This is where tragedy and comedy coexist. The tragedy is mostly inside the home, while the comedy is out there, in the square or even in the office. The comedy begins in “Skënderbej” Square, and by the time it enters ordinary urban life, it turns into tragedy and is experienced as such. What is actually happening? 1. The government and administration of Albania, elected at the end of June 1997, is trying to extend its authority throughout the country. Before the government has even reached Fushë-Krujë, the former President, toppled by the nationwide revolt, comes out into Tirana’s Square and lets out a cry: “Eheeëj.” At that very moment, the government turns back and focuses on the “danger” in “Skënderbej” Square, setting itself up there. The former President, terrified by the dwindling number of his people, hides at home, and nothing happens. Meanwhile, the country needs governing. Here, staying under the “blanket” of poverty, Albanian citizens are happy with this situation as long as their lives are not threatened by the hordes of September 14. Thus three elements emerge: the government elected by the people, but which has moved to the “corner of the yard” to protect them from Luku, leaving the fields fallow; the masses, who are wavering lest the beast enter the yard; and the country’s former President, with “20 brave lads,” frightened of himself and of the crowd, who goes... Yet all three elements weigh on those who stay in their homes. (Continued on page 3)

PD chairman: I will accept only an international court Today is the day of the September 14 investigation Pages 7–9 Today, when the clock hands strike 9:00, Sali Berisha will appear before prosecutors at the General Prosecutor’s Office for the first time in his life. Facing a charge that could put him at risk of even the death penalty, from the moment the opposition chief begins giving detailed explanations in response to the Prosecutor’s Office’s endless questionnaire, his ordeal with the investigators will begin as well. By all indications, the opposition leader will appear before the members of the investigative team.

Prosecutor’s closing statement Burned his father, 20 years in prison After shooting him, he set him on fire while he was still alive page 9

Saddam: We are ready to respond to the attacks Iraq War page 18

Sarandë explosion The minority members call the midnight bombs political page 11

A child loses an eye while playing Kukës child page 13

The strikers from Tirana and Shkodër greeting people yesterday with the PD symbol-sign Photo GENT SHKULLAKU The strikers from Tirana and Shkodër greeting people yesterday with the PD symbol-sign. Photo GENT SHKULLAKU